Spiced Cranberry-Strawberry Christmas Jam Recipe
This Spiced Christmas Jam is a festive and flavorful preserve combining the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of strawberries, enhanced by warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Perfect for holiday breakfasts or as a gift, this jam balances fruity freshness with a cozy spiced note.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 half-pint jars
- Category: Preserves
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cranberry Strawberry Jam:
- 3 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 2 cups chopped strawberries (fresh or frozen)
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 medium apple, peeled and finely chopped
- 1 orange, zested and juiced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 (1.75 oz) package fruit pectin (powdered)
- 5 cups granulated sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Fruit: Rinse the cranberries and strawberries if fresh, then chop the strawberries and peel and finely chop the apple. Zest and juice the orange, ensuring no seeds remain.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large pot over medium heat, combine the cranberries, strawberries, chopped apple, orange zest and juice, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Stir well to combine all flavors.
- Cook the Fruit Mixture: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to help the fruit release its juices. Cook for about 10 minutes until the fruit softens.
- Add Pectin and Sugar: Gradually sprinkle in the powdered fruit pectin while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Then, add the granulated sugar all at once, stirring continuously until the sugar is fully dissolved. Bring the mixture back to a rolling boil that cannot be stirred down.
- Boil and Test Jam: Boil the mixture hard for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and test jam consistency by placing a small amount on a chilled plate; if it wrinkles when pushed, it’s ready. If not, boil for another minute and test again.
- Jar the Jam: Ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about ¼ inch headspace. Wipe jar rims clean, place lids on top, and screw bands until fingertip tight.
- Process Jars: Process jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to seal properly and ensure food safety. Remove and let cool completely at room temperature. You should hear lids pop as jars seal.
- Store and Enjoy: Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place. Once opened, refrigerate and use within 3 weeks. Enjoy this spiced jam on toast, muffins, or as a festive condiment during the holidays.
Notes
- Using frozen fruit works well if fresh berries are not in season.
- Be sure to sterilize jars and lids to prevent contamination and extend shelf life.
- If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce sugar slightly but may affect set and preservation.
- Adjust spices to taste for a milder or stronger spice flavor.
- Test the jam setting on a chilled plate to ensure proper consistency before jarring.
